How Many Hearts Do You Need for Trial of the Sword?
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To undertake the Trial of the Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need a minimum of 13 hearts. This isn’t just a suggested number; it’s a hard requirement. If you attempt to draw the Master Sword from its pedestal without at least 13 heart containers (or temporary hearts gained from food), the sword will drain your life force, resulting in a game over.
Understanding the Trial of the Sword
The Trial of the Sword is a downloadable content (DLC) challenge in Breath of the Wild that tests your combat skills and resourcefulness. It’s divided into three sections: the Beginning Trials, the Middle Trials, and the Final Trials. Each section consists of multiple floors filled with enemies, and you start each Trial without any of your equipment. Completing the Trial of the Sword upgrades the Master Sword, permanently increasing its attack power and making it always powered up.
Heart Requirements: More Than Just a Number
While 13 hearts are necessary to even initiate the Trial, having more than the bare minimum makes the challenges significantly easier. Many enemies within the Trials can inflict substantial damage, and survival often hinges on your ability to withstand multiple hits. A larger health pool provides a greater margin for error, particularly in the later stages where enemies are stronger and more numerous.
Strategies for Heart Acquisition
Before attempting the Trial of the Sword, prioritize increasing your maximum hearts. This can be done by:
- Completing Shrine Quests: Each Shrine you complete rewards you with a Spirit Orb. Collect four Spirit Orbs and visit a Goddess Statue to exchange them for either a heart container or a stamina vessel.
- Defeating Divine Beasts: Each Divine Beast you conquer grants you a heart container, significantly boosting your health.
- Cooking Hearty Meals: Cooking with ingredients like Hearty Radishes, Hearty Truffles, and Big Hearty Radishes provides temporary, extra hearts in addition to fully restoring your health. These bonus hearts can be crucial for surviving difficult encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Trial of the Sword
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for the Trial of the Sword:
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What happens if I don’t have 13 hearts and try to pull the Master Sword?
If you attempt to draw the Master Sword without the requisite 13 hearts, the sword will actively drain your life force until you die. It’s an instant game over.
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Can I use temporary hearts from food to reach the 13-heart requirement?
Yes, temporary hearts gained from food like Hearty meals count towards the 13-heart requirement. This is a useful strategy if you are close but not quite there with your permanent heart containers.
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Do I keep my hearts going into the Trial of the Sword?
Yes, you retain your current number of hearts and stamina when starting the Trial. However, you begin each Trial without any weapons, armor, or items.
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How difficult is the Trial of the Sword?
The Trial of the Sword is widely considered to be one of the most challenging aspects of Breath of the Wild. The Final Trials are particularly brutal due to the higher number of enemies and limited resources.
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Can I save my progress during the Trial of the Sword?
You can only save your progress between each set of Trials (Beginning, Middle, and Final). If you die during a Trial, you must start that entire set of Trials from the beginning.
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What rewards do I get for completing the Trial of the Sword?
Completing each set of Trials upgrades the Master Sword. After completing all three, the Master Sword is permanently powered up to 60 attack and emits a constant glow. It also significantly increases its durability.
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Are there any Lynels in the Trial of the Sword?
Yes, there is at least one Lynel encounter in the Trial of the Sword, specifically in the Final Trials. Using strategies like Ancient Arrows can be very helpful in these encounters, however, using Ancient Arrows will not grant any loot upon its defeat.
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Can I use buffs like attack or defense boosts in the Trial of the Sword?
Yes, you can use buffs from food or elixirs at the start of each Trial. However, the effects will wear off as you progress through the Trial, so use them strategically.
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What happens if I fall into a pit or lava during the Trial of the Sword?
Falling into a pit or lava results in being placed back on solid ground with one heart deducted. This applies to all such environmental hazards.
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Should I attempt the Trial of the Sword before or after defeating Calamity Ganon?
It is generally recommended to attempt the Trial of the Sword before confronting Calamity Ganon. The upgraded Master Sword makes the final battle easier, and the Trial itself is a significant challenge. Ultimately, the choice is yours depending on your preferred difficulty curve.
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Does the Master Sword break during the Trial of the Sword?
The Master Sword does not permanently break during the Trial of the Sword. It can “run out of energy” and need to recharge, but it will return after a short cooldown period.
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What is the strongest weapon in Breath of the Wild?
The Master Sword, especially after being fully upgraded through the Trial of the Sword, is considered one of the best weapons in the game. It has high durability, deals significant damage, and is effective against enemies afflicted by Malice.
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What is the best strategy for dealing with enemies in the Trial of the Sword?
Adapt your strategy to the resources available. Use stealth when possible to conserve weapons, prioritize headshots with bows for quick kills, and take advantage of environmental hazards. Cooking meals for health recovery and temporary buffs is also crucial. Remember that enemy weaknesses, such as ice arrows against fire enemies, can make encounters easier.
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Is there a glitch to bypass the Trial of the Sword requirements?
While some glitches may have existed in the past, most have been patched out in subsequent game updates. Relying on legitimate strategies is the most reliable approach.
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Where can I learn more about game design and the educational aspects of gaming?
For deeper insights into the educational and developmental aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization explores the intersection of games and learning, offering valuable perspectives on how games can be used for educational purposes. It’s a great resource for educators, game designers, and anyone interested in the positive impacts of gaming.
Understanding the requirements and challenges of the Trial of the Sword is vital for success. Aim for at least 13 hearts, and be prepared for a demanding but rewarding experience that will significantly enhance your gameplay in Breath of the Wild. Success in the Trial of the Sword demands patience, strategic thinking, and adaptability. The rewards, including the permanently upgraded Master Sword, make it well worth the effort.